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If you're able to look past the initial sticker shock of the airfare, you'll find surprising value in travel to South Africa. The favorable currency exchange rate combines with the country's well-developed tourism infrastructure to make budget vacation-planning remarkably easy. And, the logistics of getting around in South Africa prove much more convenient than you might think.

When To Go

South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, with its seasons falling at opposite times from North America. Visit during the South African fall, during April and May, or spring, in mid-September to November, to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower, off-season pricing.

Package Tours

Tour operators have access to steeply discounted consolidated airfares not available to the public, and can sometimes put together hotel-inclusive, or even ground transportation-inclusive, arrangements for less than non-professionals pay for airfare alone. This strategy works best for travelers planning a 7- to 14-day itinerary. Before paying a tour operator, however, check for poor reviews online. For tour bookers based in the U.S. or Canada, you can also research their history through the Better Business Bureau.

Voluntourism

Big-hearted budgeteers willing to spend at least six to eight weeks volunteering in South Africa will find no shortage of opportunities. Such experiences may cost more than travelers expect, however, and vary widely in value, but such trips may be tax-deductible if the "voluntour" operator has nonprofit status. Avoid a bad experience by researching the group's reputation before signing on.

Do-It-Yourself Tours

"Coast to Coast," the country's most comprehensive directory of South African backpackers, provides a list of hostels that arrange cheap, enjoyable tours for their guests, with most offering excursions for travelers of every proclivity. If your finances allow, you can easily rent a car and take a do-it-yourself tour. If not, try the Baz Bus -- a door-to-door, hop-on-hop-off bus system that connects many of the country's backpackers' hostels -- or one of the comfy, economical long-distance bus lines running between South Africa's major cities.

Do Your Homework

Your best shot at enjoying a southern hemisphere paradise on a shoestring requires some action in advance. Check the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings bulletin, register your trip with the embassy and buy travel insurance. Also, get your vaccinations in order. If you'll be in a malaria zone, pick up a prescription for malaria meds before you leave the States -- and wear insect repellent once you arrive.

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About the Author

Annette O'Neil is an air sports athlete, digital nomad, full-time traveler and yogini. A writer for more than a decade, O'Neil has written copy, content and editorial articles for hundreds of clients and publications, including Blue Skies Magazine and Whole Life Times.